Tuesday, December 11, 2007

refreshing irony

Woooohooooo!!!

I survived Youth Camp 2007! Three crazy, hectic days of fun and learning!

Despite the crazy schedule, it’s ironic that camps like these keep me sane, especially during this extremely busy period that I’ve been going through. It was refreshing to get away from my responsibilities at work and elsewhere, to just enjoy to weekend with the youth and have my batteries “re-charged” somewhat. Haha.

Sure. I’m beat. I’m tired. But deep inside me, I have been refreshed to get myself going again. Reflections on Philippians 3 came up pretty often through the sessions, sharing, as well as the camp song, and it was good to be reminded to be reminded of “forgetting what lies behind”, “fixing our eyes on the prize”, “counting all things but loss for the sake of knowing Christ” etc.

Great stuff.

But more than that, I am so glad to see God moving among our youth that I thought I just had to get all this out of me before going to bed. Joel rightly pointed out a thought that had been lingering in my mind during this camp, that it is so humbling to see God at work in the lives of the younger youth in building them up to be useful servants for Him; That lives are being transformed before our very eyes!

I was so encouraged in seeing dorm sharings being initiated by the youth themselves despite the weariness of a long day. I was so glad to see so many of the younger ones stepping up to the challenge of organising such a wonderful camp this year in the absence of the “old guard”. There were minor glitches here and there, no doubt. But boy, did you guys make the camp rock!

And the closing sharing was just marvellous. I don’t think I can recall a time during any youth camp when we had so many youth willingly coming up to share something that they had learnt or experienced over the last few days, whether light-hearted or serious. And yes, again, the younger ones had good representation.

So YFers, if you read this, I just want to let you know that two passages from the Bible came to mind as I was typing this: the words of Moses to Joshua just before Joshua was to take on the reins of leadership in leading the people of Israel across the Jordan and into the Promised Land, and Paul’s encouragement to Timothy –

“Be strong and courageous.”
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Here’s a big pat on the back because you all deserve it =)

*****

Some pictures...


The bus journey was pretty uneventful, so we entertained ourselves.


Walk like an Egyptian.


I don't know that they were doing. Praying over their food??


Pass the ball. No hands!


New game...Landmine.


2007. All of us.












And finally, one of my favourite camp shots...


I simply call this one "Rejoice"

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

wooooo hoooooo!!!

Rachel Tan Ju-Ai said...

hey!! do u know where i can search for the camp song? i dont even know the title of it :( it's really nice xDD

Anonymous said...

That's one crazy pic!

Anonymous said...

"hey!! do u know where i can search for the camp song? i dont even know the title of it :( it's really nice xDD"

nvrmind, just ask jv to record his own version and send it to you!
lol

Inspktor said...

Hey can we get a larger version of the camp photo?

princessjo said...

Yay!
SO glad I went =)

Wens said...

Me wish me there too!!!! :( :( :( You guys looked like you had a blast despite everyone's complaint that 'it's so near KL' :)

And I agree with JV, good job you younger generation of YF :) Time to take charge and turn it where you want it to go. We old folks (much as I hate to admit it) are only there as signposts you know, to help give direction but we always need your help to tell us how and what we can use to reach your generation as things change so rapidly these days.

And another verse for you is Deuteronomy 31:8

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged"

Many hugs!

Unknown said...

haha wow...so many comments. sorry i've not been able to check my blog of late. anyway...

sloo: yeeeeeehhaaaaaaaa!!!

rachelt: the title of the song is "We'll Be Faithful". i think you should be able to Google it! =)

kitmeng: befits the dude haha.

anonymous: sure...sign me up with a record label! ;)

pb: i'll post up a larger pic when i manage to get access to broadband. i'm using snail-y dial-up now! grrr...

jo: you abandoned us for your prom half the time! *sob!*

wenz: wish u were there! =))

Unknown said...

haha..I LOVE the "rejoice" shot too! Kevin has such great hair! =P